Toyota said it will suspend vehicle and engines/transmissions production in Europe until further notice.
The plants will close over the course of this week due to the spread of coronavirus, the automaker said in a statement on Wednesday.
The plants affected are:
- France: the Yaris plant in Valenciennes, which suspended operations on Tuesday.
- UK: the Corolla plant in Burnaston and an engine plant in Deeside, which close on Wednesday.
- Czech Republic: Toyota's small-car plant jointly run with PSA in Kolin. Output stops on Thursday.
- Turkey: the C-HR assembly plant in Sakarya, which shuts on Saturday.
- Poland: the e-CVT hybrid gearbox plant in Walbrzych and the hybrid engine plant in Jelcz-Laskowice. Both shut on Wednesday.
Toyota said it took the decision because of a combination of government restrictions of people's movements designed to stop the spread of the virus, supply chain disruption and falling sales.
The automaker said its sales operations would be assessed on a country-by-country basis.
Showrooms are being shut in countries with strict population lockdowns, while service centers remain open. Toyota said it would continue to supply parts to ensure that servicing can continue.
It also said it would keep on staff at factories in order to prepare for the launch of new models, for example in Valenciennes France, where the new Yaris will start production later this year.
"Processes and projects deemed essential to a smooth re-start and to the future activity of the plants, such as new vehicle projects, will be maintained with necessary staff,” Toyota said.
